Bagan Family Tour with Sand-Painting Class

Dive into the vibrant culture and heritage of Bagan on this fun-packed family adventure! From the rainbow display of balloons at sunrise over the ancient temples to meeting a Buddhist monk, Bagan offers memories to last a lifetime. Experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in rural villages before breakfast. Visit majestic temples and marvel at giant golden Buddhas enshrined in architectural wonders on our Bagan family tours.

Your patient guide will captivate you with tales of temple legends while keeping the kids engaged with activities. Learn about ancient history while marveling at spectacular mural paintings and stone carvings of mystic creatures. Express your creative side and make your own souvenir with the guidance of a local sand painting artisan.

After lunch, we’ll head to an old Buddhist monastery, a beautiful structure full of historic paintings and saffron-robed monks. Conditions permitting, you will have an opportunity to interact with and photograph the monks and their daily life in the pagoda. The highlight of the day is a private sunset cruise with views of Bagan’s temples. Our Bagan family tour is packed with insights into authentic Myanmar, its history, culture, and people.

Bagan Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

“Bagan is an exceptional example of the living Buddhist beliefs and traditions of merit making, expressed through the remarkable number of surviving stupas, temples and monasteries, supported by continuing religious traditions and activities.” – UNESCO World Heritage Inscription, July 2019

Bagan Family Tour Highlights:

A family-friendly tour and adventure for all ages
Travel by air-conditioned vehicle and private boat
Learn Burmese traditional sand painting and make your own souvenir
Visit the most iconic temples and monuments in Bagan
Meet and interact with local communities
English-speaking local guide
Sunset boat cruise on the Irrawaddy with views of Bagan’s ancient temples

Tour Summary

This engaging Bagan family tour tailored especially for multi-generational groups gives you the chance to awaken your inner archaeologist! Immersive activities that emphasize learning and exploration allow you to experience Myanmar’s majestic Bagan region with all ages.

Young monks cool off on a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan

You’ll wander through the enigmatic carvings of ancient temples and see hot air balloons float majestically across the Bagan plain. A sand painting class in Old Bagan, a sunset boat trip on the Irrawaddy, and other dynamic activities will keep your family’s itinerary exciting and full of discovery. Our Bagan family tour itinerary allows you to explore at your own pace.

Sample Itinerary

05:30: Pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned private vehicle to position for sunrise

06:00: Sunrise balloon viewing at less-crowded or secluded location within the monument zone. Due to changing regulations and to avoid crowds, specific site will be chosen shortly before tour.

07:00-8:00: Photography of village people and farming activities during “blue hour” after sunrise.

08:00-09:00: Breakfast outdoors at semi-private pagoda or return to hotel for breakfast.

09:00-12:30: Tour of significant and lesser-known sites within the monument zone Old Bagan-New Bagan section. These can include the iconic temples such (Shwezigon, Khaymingha, North Guni, Shwegugyi, Ananda, Pyathada) as well as lesser-known sites. Visit to sand-painting artisan in Old Bagan for demonstration and opportunity for guests to create their own souvenirs together with the craftsman. Guests will enjoy a demonstration of the techniques and finished examples from the local painter. Guests will select from smaller canvases prepared with outlines of the designs to fill in similar to a coloring book to create their own souvenir.

12:30-13:30: Lunch break

13:30-16:00: Tour of monuments in located in the section of Old Bagan-Nyaung U. Sites may include Shwezigon stupa, Htilominlo Pahto Temple, Upali Thein, and other less-visited locations. Refreshment break with fruit and fresh coffee/tea at our “home” pagoda situated within harvest area of local community. Walking tour of agricultural village. Visit to family bamboo workshop to learn about the role of bamboo in Myanmar culture.

16:00-17:30: Journey by taxi to remote village location on the Irrawaddy, a cluster of pagodas situated on an isolated clifftop. Visit remote sites and areas on foot, including many not listed on any map or guidebook. Amazing murals and panoramic views, visit magical meditation caves and cliff monasteries. Fantastic late-period temples with murals and stone carvings, expansive views, and a small monastic community. Opportunity to experience a visit to the community, learn about the monastic life, and engage with monks.

17:30-19:00: Return to Old Bagan by private boat, including cold drinks and snacks. Views of most notable Bagan monuments along riverside.

19:00-19:30: Return to your hotel or drop-off at local restaurant by private taxi